Achieving your big picture with your finances

Even as children, people create this big picture in their minds — a reflection of how they envision their life to be. Whether your big picture is similar to what’s called the Australian Dream (home ownership as the key to a better life) or not depends a lot on your priorities and goals in life.

Either way, your big picture may involve having a family, living in your dream home, earning enough to buy and do the things you like and spending a lifetime of happiness with your loved ones.

Of course, this big picture can evolve as you go through life and gain more experience. Usually, however, the basics persist — the desire to have a home, a happy family and a good career remain unchanged.